Purpose of the Health Indicator Report

The purpose of this health indicator report is to provide information on knowledge and beliefs about the effect of drinking alcohol during pregnancy among adults aged 18 and over living in Halton Region.

Background

Alcohol use during pregnancy has the potential to harm an unborn baby; it is dangerous during all stages of pregnancy, but especially the first trimester. The effect of alcohol on the unborn baby varies depending on many factors such as the stage of the pregnancy and the frequency, quantity, and pattern of maternal consumption. Health Canada recommends that women abstain from alcohol use throughout pregnancy.

Key Findings

Awareness of the Effects of Alcohol on an Unborn Baby

Overall Findings

In 2016, 69% of Halton adults thought that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby, 10% thought it is not harmful, 16% thought that it depends, and 5% did not know.

Sex

In 2016, there was no statistically significant difference by sex in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby.

Age

In 2016, Halton adults aged 18-24 were more likely than adults of all other age groups to think that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby. This difference was statistically significant when comparing adults aged 18-24 to adults aged 45-64 and 65+.

Municipality

In 2016, there were no statistically significant differences by municipality in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby.

Income

In 2016, there were no statistically significant differences by income in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby.

Education

In 2016, there were no statistically significant differences by education in the percentage of Halton adults who thought that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is harmful to an unborn baby.

Effects of Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy on the Unborn Baby

Brain Damage

In 2016, among Halton adults who answered “yes” or “it depends” when asked if alcohol consumption during pregnancy is harmful, 72% thought that if a woman drank during pregnancy her baby could be born with permanent brain damage, 5% thought that it could not cause permanent brain damage, 14% thought that it depends, and 10% did not know.

Birth Defects and Deformities

In 2016, among Halton adults who answered “yes” or “it depends” when asked if alcohol consumption during pregnancy is harmful, 70% thought that if a woman drank alcohol during pregnancy her baby could be born with permanent birth defects or deformities, 6% thought that it could not cause permanent birth defects or deformities, 12% thought that it depends, and 12% did not know.

Perceptions of Time Periods During Pregnancy when Alcohol is Most Harmful

In 2016, Halton adults who answered “yes” or “it depends” when asked if alcohol consumption during pregnancy is harmful, reported on when they thought alcohol is most harmful to an unborn baby:

65% thought that alcohol use at any time throughout a pregnancy was harmful

17% thought that alcohol is most harmful at the beginning of a pregnancy

2% thought that alcohol is most harmful in the middle of a pregnancy

2% thought that alcohol is most harmful at the end of a pregnancy

10% thought that alcohol use during a pregnancy is not harmful

4% did not know when alcohol was most harmful

For problems or questions regarding this site, please email Halton
Region
or dial 311 or 905-825-6000